In with the new THE ENGINEERING LAB BUILDING’S ORIGINAL FACILITIES WITH AT-CAPACITY CLASSROOMS SOON WILL BE A THING OF THE PAST. And MARK RITZ (’75 M.S.E.) and Lee Gorman are happy to have an important role in that transformation. With the focus on 21st-century education,indus- try partnership and research space,the couple wanted to help transform the area that was once “home”for Ritz at the beginning of his career. “There are many great aspects to this campus— the professors,the natural areas,the welcoming feel—but the Engineering Lab Building (ELB) is just not one of them.But this is going to change,” said Ritz,who took night courses when he worked as a Ford Motor Co.engineer.“We are pleased that future generations of engineering students will get an education in this facility.The access to the resources in the new building will transform lives,and we are glad to be a part of that.” Thanks to a gift made by Ritz and Gorman, the new ELB will also provide students with designated spaces to unwind,study in comfort or meet with classmates. The Mark Ritz and Lee Gorman Group Study Room,located on the first floor,will provide a collaborative space to share ideas,conceptualize projects and more. Regular supporters of initiatives on Gorman’s home campus at UM-AnnArbor,the pair are eager to help reshape the campus that gave Ritz an advantage in the engineering world. Ritz—who later in his career worked on the business side of industry at Ford,Lear Corp., Siemens and others—said his educational back- ground gave him both knowledge and credibility when working with company engineers. “I ended up going in a more business and marketing direction,but a lot of what I did was working closely with those in the advanced engineering field,”he said.“Having an engineer- ing graduate degree from UM-Dearborn gave me instant credibility and helped me interface effec- tively.It absolutely contributed to my success.” The couple said now is the right time to share their successes and pay it forward. “We are both passionate about STEM education and the University of Michigan.This particular project will make a difference for the students, industry in the region and beyond,”Gorman said. “What will happen at the new Engineering Lab Building will transform lives for years to come— and that’s the Michigan spirit.” BE AVICTOR FOR UM-DEARBORN At UM-Dearborn,students committed to academic achievement and community engagement earn degrees that will empower them to realize future success. TheVictors for UM-Dearborn campaign ensures access to this education and faculty and staff resources to provide them with a transformational experience. Our generous donors have already given more than $36 million to support the campaign,in- cluding nearly $21 million for student support. But there is more to do.The need for funding is critical. You can help us fulfill our campaign priorities: • Student Support—expanding access to the academic excellence and career preparedness that a UM-Dearborn degree provides. • Educational Initiatives—developing inno- vative programs that enhance academics and equip students to succeed in today’s competitive economy. • Learning Environments—creating mod- ern,inspirational spaces that encourage active learning and collaboration and enable pioneering research. • Faculty support—attracting and retaining top educators and scholars who will chal- lenge and inspire our students to achieve their full potential. We need your support to reach these goals and ensure UM-Dearborn students continue to receive an exceptional education. Make your gift today! umdearborn.edu/giving Office of Institutional Advancement 313-593-5130. 22 | Fall 2017 WHY I GIVE AfterSchool Giving your all and giving back